Although comparatively few permits are necessary for filming in New Mexico, permits are required for production on federal, state-owned, and tribal properties and lands. Permits are also often required for production on city properties, especially historical sites, and public streets, as well as for special use of county roads and state highways.
*Companies considering shooting on federal property must connect with the proper federal contact.
Please get in touch with the NMDOT Rail Bureau | NMDOT via email with any inquiries or questions about potential encroachment on railroad property.
If you are within 100 feet of a railroad or between a fence/property marker and a railroad, you may be trespassing in the railroad right-of-way and can conflict with railroad operations which can create a serious safety hazard for the railroad and film production. This includes production at NM Rail Runner Express stations and Amtrak Stations.
Filming activities may be interrupted if you fail to obtain written permission from the railroad owner to enter its property. In New Mexico, the three most prominent railroad property owners are BNSF Railway, Union Pacific Railroad, and the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT).
The railroad will or may require the following:
A detailed description of the proposed use of the railroad property, Execution of a Railroad Property Temporary Occupancy Agreement to enter the railroad property, and a subsequent Railroad Right-of-Way Temporary Access Work Permit. All staff that will enter the railroad right-of-way completing the railroad’s Roadway Worker Protection training and obtaining a railroad safety certification before entering railroad property
Insurance protecting the railroad as defined in the Temporary Occupancy Agreement
Establish and pay for railroad flagging protection while on railroad property
If you are using animals in your project, contact the American Humane Association.
Film and Television Unit
11530 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, CA 91604
818-501-0123, Fax: 818-501-8725
filmunit@americanhumane.org
State Fire Marshall
Santa Fe Office: 800-244-6702